Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Al Blanton
Community members and local officials gathered at Walker County Lake on Monday, September 28, to mark the start of a major improvement project to expand the lake’s recreational and community offerings.
The ceremonial groundbreaking quickly gave way to some of the project’s first visible work. With heavy equipment already on site, officials took the opportunity to begin demolition of the lake’s existing bait shop, with machinery tearing into the building shortly after the ceremony.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced plans in 2025 for an extensive renovation of the 163-acre Walker County Public Lake. The lake recently closed to the public to allow construction to proceed and is expected to reopen next spring.
Planned improvements include upgrades to the entrance road and parking areas, new restroom and concession facilities, a new entry gate, a replacement bait shop, and a new event center overlooking the lake.
State Senator Matt Woods (R-Jasper) said the improvements could make the lake an even greater asset for Walker County, both for residents and visitors.
“We all recognize the beauty of this lake, what it means to our community and to the region, and what it can be as a draw for tourism and for folks who are looking to move here,” Woods said.
The planned open-air community space and event center could accommodate civic meetings, birthday parties, reunions, weddings and other gatherings.
Woods said his long-term vision extends beyond the current phase of improvements.
“This isn’t the end. This is the beginning of what I think could be the nicest public lake in the state of Alabama, on par with any of our state parks,” he said. “That’s my goal for this lake: when you pull up, you think you’re in a state park.”
Charlanna Skaggs, Deputy Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, credited partnerships among state and local leaders with moving the project forward. She also recognized Commissioner Chris Blankenship, former Deputy Commissioner Ed Poolos, and members of the department’s fisheries staff for their involvement.
Speaking with The Walker Leader ahead of the ceremony, Skaggs said, “We hope that folks in the community will get to enjoy everything associated with it. We also think it will help drive visitors to the park and to the area.”
Skaggs said the department expects the completed project to be a “first-class facility” and thanked the City of Jasper, the Walker County Commission, and the local Chambers of Commerce for their partnership. WL
